Chapter 2033: Xuemo’s Reappearance
In any case, it was great to learn that Yan Liren was fine and had cultivated to the Supreme Saint rank.
“What’s wrong with this second level? What secrets are hidden here?”
Now that Chi Linyuan was alone, it was undoubtedly the best time for Zhang Ruochen to ask about various things.
Chi Linyuan felt very helpless. He was completely unable to get away now, but he could not attack Zhang Ruochen. Of course, even if he did, he was probably not a match for Zhang Ruochen, and that was only asking for trouble.
“What? You really want trouble?” A cold glint flashed in Zhang Ruochen’s eyes.
Chi Linyuan could not help but tremble, and hurriedly said. “I don’t know much about the secrets of the second level. I heard from Master that this place was extremely vast, comparable to a state of the Nine States of Shangzhong Region, and is probably evolved from a broken world.”
“In this world, there are places that even Master dare not tread at will, like the Blood Domain that she had imprisoned Master Yan earlier in.”
Hearing that, a thought ran through Zhang Ruochen’s mind. The second level was obviously much more mysterious than he had expected, and it probably involved some taboos.
“When the Blood Empress was cast into the Endless Abyss, everyone thought her dead. What exactly was the Blood Empress scheming for the past eight hundred years?” Mu Lingxi whispered.
The Blood Empress was obviously very powerful and ambitious. Yet, she chose to dwell in the Endless Abyss, which was really bizarre, especially toward the end, when the Nine emperors and three empresses of the Kunlun Realm gradually disappeared.
If the Blood Empress were to show herself at that moment, perhaps even Empress Chi Yao would not be able to stop her. Would that not be enough to sate her ambition of dominating the entire Kunlun Realm?
Hearing Mu Lingxi’s whisper, Zhang Ruochen could not help but have a few questions as well. But when it came to this, only the Blood Empress herself would be able to answer their questions.
Kong Lanyou then asked in a cold voice, “What’s with the Blood Beasts outside? What is the purpose of raising so many Blood Beasts?”
After entering the second level, Kong Lanyou had been very concerned about this, because there were too many Blood Beasts, and many of them very powerful.
If all of these Blood Beasts were released, the entire Central Region will be in big trouble.
“The Blood Beasts are all cultivated by Master with a secret method, and possessed the characteristics of the Immortal Vampires. As for her purpose, that is not something I know.” Chi Linyuan said.
Although he was a disciple of the Blood Empress, what he knew was actually very limited. He also dared not ask casually. In any case, he will obediently see to whatever orders the Blood Empress ordered him to.
Back then, Zhang Ruochen had thought that the Blood Beasts coming from the Endless Abyss were normal savage beasts mutated by the blood Qi left behind by the Blood Empress.
Now that he heard Chi Linyuan’s answer, Zhang Ruochen finally understood that thing was really not that simple and the key to everything was the Blood Empress.
At this moment, what Zhang Ruochen was thinking was not just the Blood Beasts, but also the bizarre changes on Qiu Yichi the Beguiler Demon and Shangguan Que.
During the battle of Moyou Valley, Zhang Ruochen had seen four blood-red wings growing on the back of Qiu Yichi. They were very similar to the flesh wings of the Immortal Vampires, and she possessed amazing vitality. Otherwise, Qiu Yichi would have been killed by him in that battle.
The same was true for Shangguan Que as well. He was a spiritual power Saint King, and his body should have been extremely fragile, and not have too powerful a recovery power. Yet when his chest exploded, he was still able to repair it quickly, not unlike the Immortal Vampires.
Zhang Ruochen seemed to have thought of something as he suddenly blasted his palm out and slammed it against Chi Linyuan’s body.
Chi Linyuan was not hurt by it, but an astonis.h.i.+ng change happened to his body as blood Qi erupting behind him, and four pairs of blood-red wings opened up instantly.
Sure enough, as Zhang Ruochen had guessed, Chi Linyuan’s situation was the same as Qiu Yichi’s.
Both Mu Lingxi and Kong Lanyou could not help but show looks of surprise. Such a change was extremely weird. Moreover, there was the aura of the Immortal Vampires radiating out from the blood-red wings on Chi Linyuan’s back.
“Both you and Qiu Yichi had also received the baptism of the secret technique?” Zhang Ruochen asked lightly.
Chi Linyuan did not expect his secret to be discovered by Zhang Ruochen, so he could only answer. “Indeed.”
“How does the baptism affect you? Will you be like the Immortal Vampires, craving for blood?”
Zhang Ruochen asked with a grim voice.
Chi Linyuan put away the blood-red wings and said with a look of reverence in his eyes. “Master’s secret technique is extremely arcane. After the baptism, our body underwent earth-shaking transformations, with powerful vigor compared to the Immortal Vampires, yet at the same time, we are unlike the Immortal Vampires who constantly craves fresh blood. Of course, if we wanted to, we can also become stronger by sucking blood.”
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen’s heart trembled as a storm kicked off in his heart. For the Blood Empress to master such a technique, what was she up to exactly?
On the surface, Zhang Ruochen looked very calm, and he did not continue to pursue the question.
For the secrets of the Blood Empress, Chi Linyuan was very likely unable to provide him any answers, so interrogating him was for nothing.
“If this matter spreads out, I’m afraid many will want to receive this baptism, especially those cultivators of the heretical paths and demonic cultivators.” Mu Lingxi said solemnly.
The power of the Immortal Vampire’s body and vitality was something very well-known. And many cultivators were extremely envious and longed to have it.
In particular, the lack of craving for blood will undoubtedly make this even more attractive.
Zhang Ruochen nodded. That was indeed the case, and looking at Chi Linyuan right then, the latter took the baptism voluntarily without being forced.
Many thoughts went through Zhang Ruochen’s mind as he looked at Chi Linyuan again, saying. “One last question. I once saw a crimson skeleton on the first level and seems to be related to Xuemo. Do you know anything about it?”
“I’ve heard from the master on this. Xuemo has indeed come to the second level, and he seems to be in a secret location now. I don’t know the specifics, though,” Chi Linyuan said as he thought about it.
Zhang Ruochen pondered for a moment and with a wave of his hand, the spatial domain that enveloped the room disappeared without a trace, and Chi Linyuan regained his ability to move.
“You can go now!”
Chi Linyuan secretly let out a sigh of relief, saying. “Rest well, Your Highness. Just ask for me if you need anything.”
As he said that, Chi Linyuan left without any hesitation, fearing that Zhang Ruochen would change his mind.
“What should we do next?” Mu Lingxi cast her gaze onto Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen put his hands on his back as he walked to the edge of the window, looking at the sky filled with evil blood Qi and whispered. “Since we are already here, might as well make ourselves comfy. The second level of the Endless Abyss is full of mystery and I want to explore it. Also, I noticed that there is a strange power here that is very helpful in refining one’s body. Staying here to cultivate for a while might be a good idea.
“I wonder if Auntie will let us out of the palace?” Kong Lanyou frowned slightly.
If the Blood Empress wanted to put them under house arrest, the idea of wanting to explore the secrets of the second level will undoubtedly be interrupted. So, when they came to the Endless Abyss, they were taking a huge risk, as they were unsure if they could leave this place.
A sharp glint appeared in Zhang Ruochen’s eyes as he said. “Why do I need her consent to do anything I want to do?”
In any case, Zhang Ruochen, Mu Lingxi, and Kong Lanyou stayed there for the moment.
The Blood Empress was very diligent as she would visit Zhang Ruochen several times a day, sending him Heaven-level Saint Pills, Yuanhui elixirs, even food made out of Supreme Saint-level savage beasts and the likes.
It could be said only those Shenzis and Shennüs that were deeply beloved by the G.o.ds in the Celestial Court could enjoy such treatment.
Unfortunately, no matter what the Blood Empress did, Zhang Ruochen had never shown the slightest intention of getting close to her, and barely even exchanged a word.
In the blink of an eye, ten days had pa.s.sed.
In the garden, Zhang Ruochen sat quietly on a large bluestone, rousing the ten spirit veins in his body as he absorbed the strange power that wandered the land.
In the past ten days, except for the occasional talks with Mu Lingxi and Kong Lanyou, Zhang Ruochen basically spent the rest of the time cultivating.
His physical body was already extremely powerful and had long reached the level beneath a Supreme Saint. It was extremely difficult to further improve it.
Yet, after absorbing the strange power on the second level, Zhang Ruochen noticed that his physical strength had seen a significant improvement.
Zhang Ruochen would definitely not let go of such great boons.
“Huh…”
Zhang Ruochen exhaled a deep breath as he opened his eyes and withdrew from the state of cultivation.
“I’m already at my limit. Even if I continue to absorb the strange power that fills this world, it would be difficult to have any more obvious effects.” Zhang Ruochen sighed a little.
However, in all, he had great gains, and on this alone, he could say this trip was worthwhile.
“Chen’er, you’re tired, right? I used the essence of a hundred-thousand-year-old jade spirit to make a jelly that can nourish the soul. Give it a taste.”
At that moment, the Blood Empress’ voice was suddenly heard.
Zhang Ruochen had gotten accustomed to the unsolicited arrivals of the Blood Empress.
Zhang Ruochen stood up and jumped down from the rock as he glanced at the Blood Empress lightly, saying. “You don’t need to waste all these. I have some questions that I want to ask you.”
The Blood Empress paused as she slowly put down the jade spirit jelly with a look of disappointment flas.h.i.+ng past her eyes.
Looking at Zhang Ruochen, the Blood Empress gently asked, “Chen’er what is it that you want to ask about?”
Zhang Ruochen then questioned her, “What is your relations.h.i.+p with Lord Ming?”
Hearing this question, the Blood Empress’ expression could not help but change a little. She demurred for a moment before she said, “It looks like you’ve met Lord Ming. What did he tell you?”
“Lord Ming said that you’re his sister.” Zhang Ruochen stared at the Blood Empress intently.
The Blood Empress did not avoid Zhang Ruochen’s gaze as she nodded slightly, saying. “Yes, Lord Ming is indeed my elder brother. Both of us came from the Infernal Court, and are heirs of a G.o.d of the Immortal Vampires. However, it was just that both Lord Ming and I were born to a concubine, so we were not that valued, and that was how we got sent to Kunlun Realm.”
Although Zhang Ruochen had guessed that this was the case, when he heard the Blood Empress saying it personally, there were some waves in his heart. The G.o.d of the Immortal Vampires sure is crafty, sending two of his heirs into Kunlun Realm, and turn it upside down.
After calming his thoughts, Zhang Ruochen asked again. “Why did you get Shangguan Que to steal the body of my past life?”
Without a doubt, the second question was what Zhang Ruochen cared the most about.
There must be a reason why the Blood Empress expended so much effort to get Shangguan Que to do that.
Seemingly knowing that Zhang Ruochen would ask this question, the Blood Empress smiled slightly and said. “I’ll take you to a place, and you will understand.”
“Auntie, where are you taking cousin to?”
Kong Lanyou’s voice sounded.
Zhang Ruochen turned his head and saw Mu Lingxi and Kong Lanyou walking out from the side.
The Blood Empress glanced at the two of them and said. “Both of you are not outsiders either, let’s go together.”
As she said that, the Blood Empress waved her hand, and a blood light appeared, wrapping Zhang Ruochen and the two ladies as she disappeared from the garden without a trace, with them in tow.
When they reappeared, they were already before a dark, gloomy cave.
This cave was located at the foot of a majestic mountain, and looking up, one could see the strange dark red flames burning on the mountain.
Boooom!
There were terrifying lightning and thunder at the top of the mountain, unleas.h.i.+ng powerful destructive energies, totally a scene of carnage.
At a glance, one could faintly see a behemoth at the top of the mountain through the dense lightning. It was akin to a G.o.d looking down on the world.
Somehow, after coming here, the Ice Phoenix bloodline in Mu Lingxi’s body trembled as if it was being drawn by some sort of power.
“What is that?” Mu Lingxi’s voice trembled slightly as her eyes were locked onto the behemoth at the top of the mountain.
The Blood Empress raised her head and softly said, “That is a fallen Blood Phoenix. The entire mountain has been soaked in phoenix blood, causing all life on the mountain to go extinct. The blood flames on the mountain have been burning for who knows how long.”
“How could there be a G.o.d-level Blood Phoenix fallen here?” Zhang Ruochen murmured to himself.
Even with the protection from the Blood Empress, Zhang Ruochen could still feel the terrifying divine aura, and one could imagine that this Blood Phoenix must have been very powerful in life.
Across the history of the Kunlun Realm, the phoenix clan had been extremely powerful. It was comparable to the dragon clan, giving birth to many G.o.ds. However, that was too far back, and it had long been forgotten.
The Blood Empress said, “There are too many mysteries on the second level, that even I cannot fully grasp. There are many taboos involved here, and all of you are too weak now. There’s no benefit in knowing too much at present.”
As she spoke, the Blood Empress walked towards the dark cave.
Zhang Ruochen looked at Mu Lingxi as he reached out and held her slender hand, saying softly. “Don’t think so much. With me around, nothing will happen.”
“All right.”
Mu Lingxi nodded, as she looked away from the behemoth on the top of the mountain.
A Blood Phoenix who had attained G.o.dhood falling here for some reason had indeed caused a big shock to her.
Looking at the Blood Empress, Zhang Ruochen and the others could not help but to quickly follow behind.
At places like this, if not for the Blood Empress leading the way, they would not have been able to get close at all, and that made them extremely curious about the secrets inside the cave.
From the outside, the cave looked extremely dark, but once entering it, one would discover that there was some fluorescence in it, dispelling the darkness away.
The cave was extremely deep. After walking for some time through twists and turns, they were still nowhere near the end.
“Blood Empress, it had been less than a month, why are you here again?”
In the darkness, a very deep voice rang.
Zhang Ruochen moved his eyes and finally locked onto a tall figure that came out of the darkness.
The person was more than two meters tall, half a head taller than Chi Linyuan. His body was extremely muscular, and his muscles were bulging out like coiling dragons.
His torso was exposed, his face stern and tough-looking with a tyrannical aura radiating from his brow, causing people to feel fear.
“Such a powerful Nine-step Saint King.” Zhang Ruochen was secretly fearful.
He could feel that this muscular man before him, was a Nine-step Saint King of the Path’s Anterior-Realm, and was just a step away from reaching Supreme Sainthood. His body contained an extremely terrifying power, as his body had tens of millions of saint path precepts flowing on it, looking like he could shatter a star with one punch.
Out of all the Nine-step Saint Kings Zhang Ruochen had come into contact with thus far, few could match this person, let alone surpa.s.s him.
The Blood Empress glanced at the burly man as she radiated a trace of terrifying aura, and said indifferently. “Xuemo, since when my business is yours to question?”
“Hehe, I’m just asking, no need to get angry. Who are the three of them? You’ve never brought anyone here before as far as I remember.” Xuemo laughed teasingly.
A surprised look appeared in Zhang Ruochen’s eyes as he could not help but carefully measure the person. Earlier on, he had asked Chi Linyuan about Xuemo and did not expect to meet him so soon.
A man that should have been dead long ago, was not alive and well before him. Many things were getting more and more unreal as it went.